FDA-Approved (Bremelanotide, Flibanserin) and Off-Label Medications (Testosterone, Sildenafil) to Enhance Sexual Desire and Function in Women

The document from 2020 discussed the use of FDA-approved medications Bremelanotide and Flibanserin, and off-label medications Testosterone and Sildenafil, to enhance sexual function in women. Bremelanotide, approved in 2019, activates melanocortin receptors in the brain to improve sexual desire and lower distress, while Flibanserin, approved in 2015, changes brain chemistry to improve sex desire. Off-label medications, Testosterone and Sildenafil, have been used to improve libido and sexual function, but further study is needed. The authors suggested a potential synergistic effect among these medications and called for more research. They concluded that Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is a pervasive problem affecting millions of patients, particularly women, and hoped that the FDA-approval of Bremelanotide and the relaxation of restrictions on Flibanserin would stimulate further research.